Acts 21 -- Twice Warned

Paul was warned twice by the Holy Spirit through others that he would encounter trouble in Jerusalem.  He told them he was not only ready to be tied up, but even to die for Christ. 

 

My commentary took up the question of whether Paul was right or wrong in going to Jerusalem, given these warnings:

 

“On the con side, these repeated messages do sound like warnings to Paul to stay out of Jerusalem … over 20 years before, the Lord had commanded Paul to get out of Jerusalem …  On the pro side, the prophesies can be taken as warnings rather than as prohibitions.  The statement in verse 4 does not use the Greek negative ou, which means absolute prohibition…. In view of Paul’s statement in Acts 23:1 and the Lord’s encouraging words in Acts 23:11, it is difficult to believe that the apostle deliberately disobeyed the revealed will of God.”

 

It appears that the Holy Spirit was making sure that Paul knew what he was about to encounter.  He was being transparent.

 

Father, You care enough about us to help us understand the consequences we’ll face for standing up for You.  You also have told us that the world will not like or appreciate our message.  As You did for Paul, help us to understand and accept what the world may do, knowing that hearing You say, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” will more than make up for anything we suffer as a result.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford